asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the reasons for the cut in the price of feeding barley from 40/- to 37/- per barrel, in view of the fact that imported barley, according to trade returns, costs 42/9 per barrel, (b) the reason for the imposition of the reduction of 1/- per 1 per cent. over 20 per cent. moisture on 37/- barley, similar to that put on 40/- barley last year, and (c) the reasons for not paying 1/- more per barrel per 1 per cent. for barley of under 20 per cent. moisture content corresponding to the reduction in price of barley of over 20 per cent. moisture content; and whether any request or case was put forward by the negotiating body which discussed this aspect of the price arrangement with him.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Barley.
(a) The alteration in the floor price was made in order to bring the price of native barley to the feeder more into line with the price of imported barley; the c.i.f. prices quoted for imported barley at present vary from 35/6 to 40/9 per barrel. (b) Deductions to be made for excess moisture content are designed to encourage the delivery of barley in good condition. (c) The price announced is not a statutory price; it is intended to ensure that barley growers will not get less than 37/- a barrel delivered for barley with 20 per cent. moisture or less—if they are able to obtain a higher price they are free to do so. Growers' representatives did suggest that provision should be made for the payment of allowances in respect of barley with a moisture of less than 20 per cent.
Is the Minister aware——
He promised to give 45/- for barley.
Shut up!
And Deputy Corry promised 50/-, in my presence, in East Cork.
Deputy Corry.
They are a pack of frauds, shameless and barefaced.
Is the Minister aware that, in any case——
Look at them.
——that the reduced price is put on a 1 per cent. increased moisture over 20 per cent? Does he not think it honest and fair——
Honest?
——that a higher price should be allowed for barley of under 20 per cent moisture content?
It is a wonder the Deputy would not choke.
Is the Minister further aware that within the past month he issued instructions for the sale of barley that was purchased from the farmers of this country at 38/- to 40/- a barrel last May, that he has now given instructions that that barley shall be sold at 56/- a barrel?
Why do you not put him out?
Why do you not resign?
Because of the excellent behaviour of the honest members of the Opposition, I have not been able to hear——
Answer the question. Do not run away from Deputy Corry.
Because of the excellent behaviour of the honest members of the Opposition Party, and especially the League of Youth, I have not been able to hear the supplementary question directed to me.
It is as good an excuse as any.
The Minister for Education is looking at you.
I did not get the gist of that remark at all. Was it an intelligent remark?
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the reduction in the price of barley from 40/- to 37/- per barrel, coupled with increases in wages and in rates, will result in a loss to farmers on the production of barley; and whether he has received protests against the reduction in price.
I am not aware that farmers will incur a loss on the production of barley at 37/- per barrel. I have received one protest, but protests are not uncommon.
Surely the Minister can recollect promising 45/- per barrel? I distinctly heard the undertaking being given this very day 12 months. What has the Minister to say to the House to-day, when he gave that undertaking to the people, that whatever increase there would be in the price of barley there would be no reduction?
I would be very glad if the Deputy would quote where I have ever given such an assurance as that.
Every member of the Fianna Fáil Party gave it, too.
I am asking a question. Can the Deputy quote me as having made that statement?
Every single member of the Fianna Fáil Party said it.
The Deputy said that the Minister said it.
I am asking to be quoted.
Deputy Corry in Kilin Kilkenny, in the Taoiseach's presence.
The League of Youth must have their way.
If for no other reason, this is one reason that warrants the Minister's immediate resignation.
I am not prepared to trust the young men on the other side.
The people will.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether millers and buyers of feeding barley are prepared to purchase that commodity at a moisture content of 15 to 16 per cent., and, if so, if he will state the price that will be paid for such barley.
I see no reason why millers and buyers of feeding barley will not be prepared to buy feeding barley with a moisture content of 15 to 16 per cent. The price to be paid for such barley is a matter for negotiation between the parties concerned.
In view of the unsatisfactory reply given by the Minister, I wish to give notice that I intend raising on the Adjournment the replies to Questions Nos. 72 and 74.
I shall communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.
I will go seven to four that the Deputy will not be here to raise it.
In the event of Deputy Corry not raising it, may I give notice that I should like to be considered for an opportunity to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 73?
You will have lost my money.
You will all be welcome, League of Youth and all.
And the Blueshirts as well.